|
Rajah
The younger brother of Rakeesh, Rajah sah Tarna strove to become more than the shadow of his brother, the newly crowned King of Tarna. Trained at a young age by the best of Liontaur warriors, Rajah was never satisfied by winning a battle. He quested throughout Tarna seeking enemies to defeat, names to add to his glorious battle history, respect for his prowess in battle. His appearance was majestic and royal, standing well over seven feet tall, golden-orange fur shining with the fire of the sun. His mane was full and thick, draping around the muscles of his upper body; his tail long and lashing, hovering behind him as he walked. His name was quickly becoming common on the tongues of Tarna's inhabitants. But Rakeesh's rule was wise and strong, and peace reigned in Tarna, exceptin Rajah's soul. Tarna's throne would be his.
While in the east aiding a tribe of Leopardmen in fighting for sacred land, he learned of the Leopardman Shaman's power of summoning minor demons. As plans quickly formed in his mind, he constructed a deal with the Shaman: in exchange for his services in battle and Liontaur skins for magic drums, the Shaman would summon a demon for the purpose of deposing King Rakeesh.
Under a dark and clouded night sky, Rajah observed as the Shaman performed the ritual ceremony necessary for the summoning, his whiskers twitching with everybeat of the drums. At the end of what seemed an eternity, a demon appeared, seemingly bound to the Shaman's command, but exerting enough power to wrench a pledge of service from Rajah before agreeing to fell Rakeesh.
Rajah, eager to leave - both to get away from the fear that overcame him in the Leopardman village and to begin planning his reign of Tarna -journeyed back to the comforts of the city, stopping along the way to defeat any opponent that stood against him. His brother welcomed him back warmly, treating him as well as anyone could, and Rajah began to doubt his loathing of Rakeesh, but the power the throne held for him was stronger.
Soon there after, Kreesha came to Rakeesh and Rajah with troubling news: there was an uprising of evil in the east. Rakeesh decided to send a scouting party to investigate this, headed by Rajah himself. Rajah knew that to refuse this position would draw suspicion upon himself, so he could do nothing but accept the charge. He carefully selected his party and travelled eastward, trying not to be too knowledgeable about the location and source of this evil, but his fears wear replaced anew as the demon and some lesser beings descended upon them. The fight was short and devastating for both sides, as the entire scouting party was lost - save Rajah - and only the demon and one servant still stood.
The demon chanted a spell to hold Rajah still while he offered him a proposal. In exchange for his life and the remains of Tarna after the demon's invasion, Rajah must allow the demon into his body. But Rajah's soul, though twisted, was not evil, and his desire for the throne diminished against his newfound hatred for this demon. Rajah's will was strong, in tune with his body and mind from his warrior training, and he refused the demon's offer. Fighting the spellcast on him, he finally broke free before the demon's anger could fully be released. He turned toward the city as he fled, but his exceptional hearing brought the demon's commands for his servant to his ear: Destroy Tarna!
Rajah raced home with all he was, not stopping to rest or eat. He arrived to a gruesome scene, bodies of Liontaurs and humans scattered about the streets, unwary of the attack that ended their lives. Rakeesh had been quick to respond to this invasion and finally disposed of the demon servant at the cost of many Liontaur and human warriors, but Rajah's account of the battle against the demon brought a troubling decision to Rakeesh.
After days of contemplating, many hours spent with the Council, each passing second of indecision weighing on his heart, Rakeesh chose to pursue the demon himself. Not knowing the time it would take to succeed, he could not leave Tarna without a leader. He informed his subjects of his plans to fight the demon, and that he would no longer be their king, thereby entrusting the rule of Tarna to his brother, Rajah.
Rajah's heart leapt as his mind registered Rakeesh's words. He was being given the Kingship, not taking it from his brother. He looked at Rakeesh differently now, seeing his care and love for him. He wanted to tell Rakeesh of his treachery, but the weight of the throne was still too great.
Rajah bid Rakeesh farewell the next morning, closing the gates of the city behind him, and began preparing Tarna for war. He was an excellent warrior, wise in tactics and strategy. He would have Tarna prepared should the demon choose to invade the city himself. Time passed with little word from Rakeesh, and Rajah settled comfortably into the throne, his resolve to plead his treacherous actions before his brother rapidly weakening. News finally came to King Rajah that the demon was defeated, and he looked warily for Rakeesh's return. Would Rakeesh demand the return of the throne?
His question was answered quickly as Rakeesh limped into the city with a human warrior from the Simbani. Rakeesh's hind leg was broken and bandaged, and the wound caused him considerable pain. Though Rajah knew in his heart that Rakeesh would feel unworthy to rule in his injured condition, he waited impatiently for Rakeesh to tell what he had learned of the demon. Pleasingly, no mention was made of his treachery, though Rajah could not tell if Rakeesh did not know or was withholding the information. Regardless, Rakeesh had already planned to journey through the land of Tarna to insure the defeat of the demon.
The next years were frightful for Rajah, caught between his desire for the throne and his compassion for his brother, but he was relieved of his torment when asummons arrived on the strands of magic from the Sultan of Shapeir. It seemed that there was some unnatural occurrences, and the Sultan wished for Rakeesh's aid in discovering and defeating whatever was threatening them. Rakeesh left immediately, taking the Simbani Uhura with him.
During the time Rakeesh was gone, Rajah ruled with a warrior's heart. He eventually forgot about his dealings with the demon and once again exuded his pride forall to see. Tarna flourished under his rule, and honor and glory was bestowed upon him. Peace ruled the land, excluding the minor skirmishes in which Rajah wished to show off the Liontaurs' ferocity in battle. His soul was at ease, until...
Word came from the Simbani about a war with the Leopardmen. Rajah, lusting for battle as a warrior might, but acting as a ruler should, sent a peace mission to the Leopardmen to resolve the conflict. The peace mission failed, was attacked and destroyed, only one insane survivor left of it. Rajah again began preparing for war. Then Rakeesh returned from Shapeir with Uhura, a child, and a human hero, the newly adopted Prince of Shapeir. Suddenly, forgotten memories flooded his mind, and he hardened his heart, for his love of the throne and grown considerably. War was afoot, and he meant to be a part of it.
|
|
